InterContinental Khao Yai Resort has opened its doors, welcoming guests to explore the golden age of train travel. The resort, which spans 19 hectares and features five lakes, presents a range of enriching experiences and outdoor adventures, where every touchpoint is carefully curated. Marking the opening, a series of guest activities designed to uncover the secrets of the destination have been unveiled.
"We are delighted to be sharing the beauty of Khao Yai with guests from around Thailand and beyond," said James Sutcliffe, General Manager. "InterContinental Khao Yai Resort will set the tone for unbounded adventure in the area, marrying deep knowledge of the destination with an understanding of what luxury means to the discerning modern-day traveller."
Transported Back in Time
The resort has been designed by award-winning architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, who was inspired by the area's gateway for rail transportation to Northeast Thailand during King Rama V's reign. On arrival, guests are ushered to a check-in area styled like a ticket counter, where a traditional stationmaster bell rings to welcome them. Adorned with railway memorabilia - from vintage trunks to old tickets - the arrival area sets the stage for the rest of the stay. Here, a cool glass of organic Yellow Dragon Fruit juice is served; uncommon in the rest of Thailand, yellow dragon fruits grow in abundance in the Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Guests are then escorted through the verdant grounds to their room. Each of the 45 rooms in the main buildings allow guests to relax in elegant surroundings adorned with wall hangings inspired by the vintage railway signs that once hung in train stations around the province.
In every room, a balcony overlooking the resort's grounds heightens the sense of being surrounded by a natural, lush haven. 11 of the suites and rooms boast private outdoor pools, creating serenity and a deeper connection to nature.
Curated Experiences
Developed exclusively for guests by the InterContinental Concierge team, the resort offers a series of curated adventures across Khao Yai's famed mountains and landscapes. Highlights include Welcome to Khao Yai, which incorporates visits to Baan Sa Nam Sai, one of the oldest communities in the area and Khao Yai Life & Legends, which offers visitors a chance to experience the enduring traditional lifeways of local residents, the Tha Maprang community, including sampling seasonal fruits at a local farm, learning about legends at the community temple, and learning to make fragrant kaffir lime incense. General Manager James Sutcliffe also welcomes guests to join him on a regular 'Tour de Khao Yai,' cycling around the resort and its surrounds.
Experience-Led Dining
With a focus on culinary expertise, experience-based dining and the use of locally sourced, organic produce from around the property, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort will offer an eclectic selection of unique and authentic culinary experiences. Somying's Kitchen is a farm-to-table concept in the truest sense of the phrase; the hotel's own organic farm will be the bearer of many ingredients used, whilst local farmers will also contribute to the pantry. At the farm, guests wishing for a hands-on look at food sourcing can also enjoy a specially catered breakfast whipped up from the freshest produce that Khao Yai has to offer. Elsewhere Tea Carriage, set in a heritage railcar, offers a formal afternoon tea set with optional premium drink pairings, as well as a selection of Signature Iced Coffees and Teas. Highlights include the Rangsit - house blend Thai origin coffee, corn milk and mint syrup - and Pak Chong -Elixir black tea with mango and 1883 lemon syrup.
Transformative Wellbeing
Health, fitness, nutrition and mindfulness are woven into the guest journey. Complimentary stretching, Hatha Yoga & Pilates group classes are on offer, whilst a Resident Healer will guide guests through their personal wellness journeys. A Cross-Fit-inspired fitness centre overlooks mesmerising views of Swan Lake whilst a series of jogging and cycling tracks, both in and around the resort, have been identified.
A Commitment to Sustainable Stays
Sustainability has remained a key priority since the construction stage of InterContinental Khao Yai Resort; Bill Bensley and his design team made use of locally sourced materials and upcycled train carriages in the resort design, in line with BENSLEY's pledge to create sustainable hotel design solutions. As the resort welcomes its first guests, this commitment prevails. In line with IHG's commitment to reduce plastic waste by removing bathroom miniatures, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is one of the first in Thailand to introduce European luxury brand Byredo in a full-size format. Wooden keycards and biodegradable eco-friendly cleaning products will be used across the resort, whilst the culinary team work closely with farms in the region to source seasonal ingredients and minimise food waste.
Destination Celebrations
With a range of unique spaces and backdrops located throughout the vast grounds, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is the perfect backdrop for events of varying natures - from al fresco birthday parties and outdoor cinema screenings on The Swan Lake Lawn to wedding ceremonies and pop-ups on The Waterfall Edge.
To mark the opening, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort has launched a series of opening offers, including The Allure of Luxury in Khao Yai. Upon booking a one-night stay in a King Classic Room, guests can indulge in breakfast for two, resort credit of THB 1,500 net and a one-time High-Tea experience for two at the resort's signature Tea House. Further elevating the experience, guests reserving a three-night stay can also enjoy a guaranteed early check-in from 10AM and late check-out at 4PM. Rates start from THB 7,000++ per night for a King Classic Room. Rooms will be available for stays from 8 September 2022.
Later this year, an elegant French brasserie and speakeasy bar will be added to the selection of dining offerings, with a spa and the brand's signature Planet Trekkers programme further enhancing the guest experience. A range of 19 railcar suites and villas will also be unveiled.
For more information and reservations, email intercontinental.khaoyai@ihg.com or visit www.intercontinental.com/khaoyai. For more updates, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.